Is it OK to clean old coins?

Cleaning old coins might seem like a good way to revitalise the appearance of a treasured item, but could in fact reduce a coin's value significantly, and should be avoided. Particularly in the case of old precious metal coins, cleaning them is most definitely not recommended!

How do you clean old coins without devaluing them?

If your coins are still dirty, you can fill the plastic container with a 1-inch layer of warm water. Next, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and agitate the water to create bubbles. Add the coins, and rub each one until the surface looks shiny. Rinse with warm water, then dry.

Should you ever clean an old coin?

There is no benefit to attempting to clean a collectible coin. Copper never re-tones to its original color and look anyway. Put down the polish before you destroy something historical and throw away a fortune.

Why does cleaning coins decrease value?

They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins. Cleaning is a factor in coins not qualifying for grading.

Do professionals clean coins?

If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended. Commonly found coins are mentioned as ideal candidates for any attempted cleaning experiments.

How to Clean a Coin Correctly

Will vinegar ruin coins?

First, if you think your coins might be of any value, do not clean them at all, since you can possibly damage them by soaking in cleaners like vinegar. If you want to clean the coin for some other reason, vinegar should work fine.

Are old coins worth more clean or dirty?

Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.

Can old coins be toxic?

Re: Toxicity of Ancients

All coins contain quite a range of metals and chemicals, including lead and arsenic. Depending on time and place, both bronze and silver coins can contain quite a bit of lead - up to 10%. Silver and lead are often found together in nature, so cross-contamination is quite likely.

Can you tell if a coin has been cleaned?

Judge the age and consistency of the color, its depth and evenness. The underlying luster should be undisturbed and in a perfect cartwheel pattern, this being especially visible about the obverse stars. Look for hairlines or other imperfections that may indicate the coin was cleaned at some time in its past.

Should I clean old silver coins?

Never try to remove the natural oxidation from coins, such as the tarnish on silver coins. Tarnish on silver coins is called "toning," The coin is worth more with the toning intact. Removing it will damage the coin's surface and significantly reduce its value.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean coins?

You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove tarnish from copper, zinc, silver, or nickel coins. However, you should only use it in its diluted form, not the concentrated one. If a coin is severely tarnished, then you should use a toothbrush to scrub the stain away from the coin gently.

What is considered cleaning a coin?

Cleaned Coin: I added this to cover any methods that I might have missed so far in this article. A cleaned coin, is any coin that has had any of its original surface (normal circulation grime or tarnish) metal removed, all or in part, to reveal the unnatural lustrous surface underneath.

How much value does a cleaned coin take?

I would personally say that under $500, you can expect anywhere from 25%-50% of the coins value to be lost due to cleaning. Over $500, I think most professionals will take >=50% of the coins value.

What liquid cleans coins the best?

Copper oxide dissolves in a mixture of weak acid and table salt-and vinegar is an acid. You could also clean your pennies with salt and lemon juice or orange juice, because those juices are acids, too.

Can you get metal poisoning from coins?

Also, it is important to be aware that coin pica can cause metal toxicity as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.

Why do old coins turn black?

Coin toning generally occurs naturally over time. It is due to the oxygen or sulfur reacting on the coin's metal. It is purely based on the environment in which the coin is. However, the toning process can be accelerated by the heat, moisture, and a variety of other chemicals in the environment.

What causes black spots on old coins?

They are called carbon spots because many times they are formed from carbon in the air or mishandling by people. Once a carbon spot is in a coin it is there forever and will leave a pit that actually grows deeper over time.

How much is a 1965 quarter worth?

The higher the grade, the higher their value. Current data shows that the regular 1965 Quarter in the circulated condition can be worth between $0.30 and $0.85. However, a 1965 Washington Quarter in mint state can be worth around $5250.

What to look for when looking at old coins?

You'll want to look for die cracks and missing elements, paying particular attention to words printed on the coin and edges of images. Strike mistakes such as doubling, cracks, and missing sections are also common errors that can increase the value of a coin.

Does baking soda damage old coins?

Since it was first produced and sold in the United States in the mid-1800s, baking soda has been a popular product with many useful purposes. One of these is to clean certain valuable items in a safe, effective way. As for whether or not baking soda damages silver coins, the short answer is typically no.

Does Coca Cola clean coins?

Yes, that refreshing can of Coke that you like to drink by the pool can also clean coins. Coke's phosphoric acid can clean the oxides that cause tarnish and corrosion.

Can WD 40 clean coins?

After some scratching at it with hard tools I decided to let it soak in some WD-40 oil for a few hours and then work at it with a cotton Q-tip. The combination of light scraping, soaking in oil and rubbing with fabric basically removed this sludgey coating.

How much is a 1921 Morgan silver dollar worth today?

1921 MORGAN Morgan Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of February 2023, a Morgan Dollar from 1921 in circulated condition is worth between $29 and $45.

How much is a 1900 silver dollar worth today?

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of February 2023, a Morgan Dollar from 1900 in circulated condition is worth between $33 and $63. However, on the open market 1900 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $13000.